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Ridgefield is rapidly changing. We could debate the merits of this farming town transforming into a suburb or whether opening a Costco is a good idea, but fortunately my job is to discuss food. I think most of us would agree that opening more good places to eat is a positive change.
Here are five Ridgefield spots to try things like birria burritos, chicken piccata and Roman-style pizza.
Carts by the Park
219 Pioneer St.; open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Carts by the Park offers a variety of al fresco dining options including tacos ($3.59-$4.50) and burritos ($9-$14) at Little Conejo; smoked meats ($14-$15 for a half-pound) and classic barbecue sides ($3) at Sugars; sushi rolls ($11-$12), bowls ($11-$13) and sushi burritos ($12-$15) at Sushi Kato; and beer ($4-$6.50), wine ($8-$11 per glass), espresso drinks ($3.25-$4.50), small plates ($3-$6) and sandwiches at Little Canteen.
Visitors can enjoy their food and drinks at the tables in the food-cart pod or across the street at Overlook Park, which offers views of Lake River and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
Pioneer Street Restaurant
207 Pioneer St.; 360-309-6950; open noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Jeff and Johanna Herron opened their cozy cafe in downtown Ridgefield in April 2022. They purchase ingredients from local farms like Greene Jungle Farm and Red Truck Farm. Coffee comes from Vancouver roaster YMF, bread and fruit pies from Sadie and Josie’s Bakery in La Center, and wine from Ridgefield wineries Stavalaura, 14 Acres and Windy Hills.
Lunch includes sandwiches ($14-$16), burgers ($16) and salads ($6-$15). Italian favorites like chicken piccata ($24) and fettuccine alfredo ($16) round out the dinner menu. Chili and a New York steak sandwich with jalapeno feta spread served with fries ($18) were recent specials.
Bunnie’s Pizza
206 N. Main Ave.; 360-887-7200; open 3-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Mychal Dynes and Mark Wooten of Little Conejo recently took over the space formerly occupied by Vinnie’s Pizza to open Bunnie’s Pizza. Their restaurant offers Tonda Romana-inspired pizza with a thin and crispy sourdough crust. The dough is aged three to six days before it’s formed to order and topped with ingredients sourced from Cow Bell Cheese Shop and Red Truck Farm. Topping combinations vary from MBT with aged and fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato and Pecorino Romano ($23) to Capricciosa with mushrooms, artichokes, olives, prosciutto and eggs placed in quadrants of the pizza ($27).
Starters include borlotti beans with pork, tomato, Pecorino Romano cheese and gremolata ($9), fresh baked bread with topping choices like tomato and Pecorino or za’atar ($8-$10), and Caesar salad ($12). Gelato comes from Pinolo Gelato in Portland ($9).
BevRidge
4315 S. Settler Drive, Suite 100; 360-727-2195; open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
BevRidge Public recently opened in a new development just west of Interstate 5. The bright, compact space features 12 rotating taps of craft beer ($11 for four 5-ounce pours), wine ($11-$14 per glass, $35-$50 per bottle) from local wineries like Windy Hills and 14 Acres, as well as a lineup of signature cocktails like the Smoke Show with Del Maguey Vida mezcal, orgeat, passion fruit, lime and hibiscus ($14).
The menu includes bites like Blackened Street Tacos ($12.95 chicken, $14.95 shrimp) and House Brined Chicken Wings ($11.95-$17.95), salads ($9.95-$10.95), burgers ($16.95-$19.95) and pasta ($15.95-$17.95). The kids menu offers favorites like chicken strips and grilled cheese (both $8.50). Happy hour runs from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday with drink specials, bites, a smash burger ($9) and mac and cheese ($9).
Jubilee Teahouse
321 N. Third Ave., 360-309-5900; open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Leslie Stose opened her bright pink tea house just off the main drag in October. The space formerly housed Myrtle’s Tea House. Myrtle’s owner, Elizabeth Brush, decided to run a retail store next door and let Stose rent out the rest for her own tea house.
Stose serves classic afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and scones as well as tea from Elmwood Inn Fine Teas ($44 per person). She’s given this British snack time her own twist by adding bubbly and sparkle-flecked cocktails like the Jubellini ($9), as well as serving from sleek white dishes and black teapots. Reservations are required. It’s best to book at least two weeks in advance — or even longer for special occasions like Mother’s Day.
